Adjustable shirt-tapering system

ABSTRACT

The circumference of a shirt&#39;s waistline, i.e., the taper, is continuously adjustable through the use of a releasable fastening device having a first portion that is releasably attachable to a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are complementary to one another and are located in one plane of the shirt fabric, on a side away from the wearer. The releasable fastening device is located below the beltline of the trousers worn with the shirt so that it is unnoticeable, and is light weight so as to be unobtrusive. To adjust the taper, the shirt is folded so that at least some extent of one of the first and second portions is positioned on top of the other and releasably fastened thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to adjustable clothing and, in particular,adjustable shirts, blouses, tops, T-shirts, uniforms, surgical gown, orany other fashion-type garment, or the like that would cover the uppertorso of a body (hereinafter referred to simply as “shirt” forconvenience and not by way of limitation). More specifically, theinvention relates to a shirt that resists becoming untucked, due to anadjustable waistline, thereby helping avoid a potentially messy anduntidy appearance.

[0003] 2. Related Art

[0004] The vast majority of people buy off-the-shelf or stock shirtsrather than custom made shirts. Stock shirts are sold either by acombination of neck size and arm length measurements alone or simply insmall, medium, large, and extra large sizes, with no accounting forvariations in torso or waist size or configuration, except for somemanufacturers which also provide a choice limited to either a full cutor a tapered cut. Two people having the same neck size and arm lengthsmay vary greatly in the waist and torso size and shape. For any givenshirt size, i.e., any particular combination of neck size and armlength, the shirt manufacturer will size the torso and waist dimensionsto accommodate the largest reasonably expected dimensions, because asmaller user can wear a shirt with large waist and torso dimensions, buta larger user cannot fit into waist and torso dimensions sized to fitaverage or thin people. This means that the majority of people wearingshirts will have excess shirt material in the lower back and waist area.This material will bunch up in an unsightly manner when the shirt tailis tucked into the waistband of pants.

[0005] Further, after people stand up or move around, shirts oftenbecome un-tucked because there is nothing holding them in place. Thepresent invention is intended to alleviate this and other problems.There have been ideas to help hold a shirt in place, but such have beenfeeble attempts to solve the problem of accurately fitting a shirt toits wearer. Additionally, none of the prior art devices has thesimplicity, ability to accommodate a large range of peoples' sizes dueto continuous adjustability, and other concepts as in the presentlydisclosed invention. Further, none of these other inventions allows theuser to easily adjust the shirt while wearing it, as does the presentinvention, which is a simple yet elegant solution to the age-old problemof shirts becoming un-tucked. Seven groups, exemplifying differentconcepts, of the prior art attempts are discussed below.

[0006] A first group of patents relates to adjustable garments and, inparticular, to tops that can be adjusted at the waist. However, thesedevices are generally more complex and bulky than the present invention,and do not provide the user with a simple manner of adjusting thegarment while wearing it.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,414 deals with an adjustment system that canbe used for garments or other articles and provides a configuration thatis utilized in adjusting the length of a section of a garment. While the'414 patent appears similar in its purpose to that of the presentinvention, it does not pertain to a tapering mechanism for a shirt;instead, it is designed for outer gear worn in the outdoors, wherein theadjustment mechanism is designed to keep the elements away from thewearer. Although the '414 patent mentions suitability for a shirt waist,there is no disclosure as to how or why such would be carried out.Further, the focus of this patent is outdoor gear. Moreover, the deviceof the '414 patent is much more complex and, therefore, costly, than isthe present invention, as well as is more difficult to manufacture thanis the present invention. The device of the '414 patent requires amechanism for automatically providing a flap in the material to which itis attached and is thus more bulky than is the present invention.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 1,560,218 incorporates two elastic strips that aredesigned to adjust the waistline of a garment, although the elastic willcause the material randomly to bunch up causing discomfort to thewearer. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 2,137,563 uses elastic members andclasps to adjust the waistline of a shirt, which makes it potentiallydifficult to control the operation and uncomfortable to the wearer.Further, this device is complex in construction and is likely difficultto manufacture.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,398,258 utilizes snaps and tabs incorporated intoa complex mechanism for adjusting the waistline of a shirt. The snapsand tabs are likely to be uncomfortable for the user, and are lesseffective as well as more uncomfortable, as more excess materialgathers. Further, the snaps do not provide for a continuousadjustability but, instead, only for discrete changes in the size. Aswith U.S. Pat. No. 1,560,218 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,137,563, this inventionserves a function similar to one associated with the adjustableshirt-tapering system of the present invention, but is not as easy touse, not as comfortable, is likely more expensive and difficult tomanufacture, and is potentially less effective.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,628 entitled “Folding Attachment for ShirtBacks” has an object similar to one associated with the adjustableshirt-tapering system of the present invention. However, the '628 patenthas an entirely different structure than the adjustable shirt-taperingsystem of the present invention. The invention of the '628 patent is adevice that is attached to a shirt and is comprised of a central memberand two wing members that fold to form a single, smooth pleat of excessshirt material on each side of the wearer. First, it is not continuouslyadjustable, as is the adjustable shirt-tapering system of the presentinvention. Instead, the device of the '628 patent allows for only twosizes; one with the outer wing members open, and another with the outerwing members folded back against the central member of a tri-fold rigidmember. Second, the device of the '628 patent is made of plastic orcardboard, and does not use flexible strip fasteners such as Velcro™.Therefore, the device of the '628 patent is uncomfortable for the user.In contrast, the adjustable shirt-tapering system of the presentinvention is comprised of thin fastening strip that will not causediscomfort (or even be noticeable) to the wearer of a shirt because itis very light weight and unobtrusive.

[0011] A second group of inventions relates to adjustable clothing, butdoes not relate to the waistline. Examples of inventions in this groupinclude U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,692,240 and 4,825,472, which are designed toadjust a neckband/collar using Velcro™. Additionally, in this group isU.S. Pat. No. 4,412,357, which utilizes adjustable straps to constrainthe breasts of a female athlete wearing this specific shirt. Thisconcept relates to adjusting a shirt to a specific person's individualsituation, but once more, there is no teaching of adjusting a shirttailto a specific taper. Instead, this device adjusts the size of the shirtat the chest.

[0012] A third group of patents relates to adjustability of garments ingeneral.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,717 is designed to allow different-sizedpersons to be able to wear a shirt as the shirt can be adjusted. Thisinvention uses drawstrings to connect separate panels of a shirttogether so that the size thereof can be adjusted. This inventiondisadvantageously makes the shirt look strange, thereby reducing itsmarketing appeal. Further, the device of the '717 patent is complex touse and manufacture. In contrast, the adjustable shirt-tapering systemof the present invention is easy to manufacture and use, as well as isapplicable to shirts that are not noticeably different in outwardappearance than typical fashion garments. That is, one would not be ableto differentiate between a person wearing a specific shirt style, andanother person wearing that same shirt but having an adjustableshirt-tapering system according to the present invention.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,505 is designed to adjust a child's garmentutilizing hook and loop type connections and is different because ituses a more complex configuration than the adjustable shirt-taperingsystem of the present invention. The purpose of the invention in the'525 patent is similar to one of the purposes of the adjustableshirt-tapering system of the present invention, but is more specific inscope. The adjustable shirt-tapering system of the present invention haswider applicability and a more simple design.

[0015] A fourth group of patents relates to pants in general and, moreparticularly, to devices to holding up pants, or adjusting them.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,836 is designed to hold up a pair of trousersor a skirt. This invention utilizes Velcro™ strips, but does not pertainto tapering a shirt, is not intended to be used with shirts, and doesnot provide any adjustability to the pants.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,010 incorporates numerous snaps and hook andloop materials to adjust the waistband area of pants. The '010 patentpertains to the waist area for pants and not for shirts. Further, thesnaps do not provide for a continuous adjustment, and the hook and loopmaterials are provided only to vary the length of the pant legs.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,677,699 entitled “Waist Band Adjustment forGarment” is similar in design to U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,010, but bothpertain to waistline adjustment of pants. Neither one of these patentspertain to adjustment of shirts.

[0019] A fifth group of patents relates to clothing anchoringapparatuses. These apparatuses help to hold the garment in place, but tonot adjust the size of the garment so as to better fit its wearer.

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,813 is another patent that relates tomaintaining a neat appearance of a shirt through the use of elasticstraps that hold a shirt in place. The straps do not come as part of theshirt and, while they do hold the shirt in place, they do not adjust thesize of the shirt to the respective waistline of the individual. Becausethey are often wrapped around the individual's legs that are wearingthem, the straps in the shirttail harness of the '813 patent arepotentially uncomfortable to wear and have a possibility of comingloose, thus requiring re-attachment. Further, because this shirttailretaining harness is adapted with the straps thereof passing along theinside of the thighs of the wearer in the crotch area, it is verydifferent from the adjustable shirt-tapering system of the presentinvention in both structure and design. U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,669 issimilar in concept and function to the '813 patent as it is designed toanchor both the front and back tails of a shirt by securing themdownwardly into the crotch area of a wearer. This invention ispotentially uncomfortable and is not easily adjustable. In addition, theinvention of the '813 patent is not a part of the shirt itself, as is anembodiment of the adjustable shirt-tapering system of the presentinvention. Further, the invention of the '813 patent does not providefor adjustability of the shirt's waistline.

[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,979 entitled “Releasable Securing Means foran Infant's Shirt” is designed to provide a means to secure an infant'sshirt in place through use of elastic strips on both the shirt front andshirt back by incorporating button clips that provide for a releasablefastening means. This invention has a purpose of keeping the infant'sclothing from becoming twisted and pulled out of normal position, butdoes not adjust the size of the shirt itself.

[0022] Also in this group are U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,569 and U.S. Pat. No.4,074,364 entitled “Hold Down Device for Shirts and the Like”, whichuses an elastic hip band that is intended to be worn around the hips.Tabs are also utilized around this hip band to secure the lower portionof a shirt to the tabs to keep the shirt neatly tucked in and in place.This device does not adjust the waistline of the shirt, and is not apart of the shirt itself.

[0023] A sixth group of patents pertains to releasably connectingclothing together in general.

[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,775 pertains to a band or connecting beltthat is used between articles of clothing or parts of them. This patentutilizes Velcro™ in its design, but works to connect garments anddoesn't relate to adjusting the size of a shirt. U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,393is similar to the '775 patent, as it also is designed to connect shirtsand trousers through use of a self-releasing bond. But the invention ofthe '393 patent is not designed to taper a shirt.

[0025] Lastly, a seventh group of patents relates to garments havingspecialized features, but that do not include any adjustability of thewaistline so as to change a shirt's taper.

[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,935 utilizes a snap system in a tennis shirtthat helps a tennis player retrieve tennis balls for use during play.This invention does offer an alternative mechanism in the form ofVelcro™, but is not positioned to taper the shirt; instead, it merelylifts a flap of the shirt so as to expose a pants pocket, whereby tennisballs may easily be removed from the pocket.

[0027] U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,135 utilizes Velcro™ as a means to securebulletproof pads within a shirt but does not include an adjustmentmechanism to taper the shirt or adapt its size to appropriatelyaccommodate the contour of an individual's waistline area.

[0028] U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,622 entitled “Shirt Construction”, involvesan untucked shirt and is designed to accommodate access to pockets onpants without the inconvenience of pulling up a shirt that is untucked.It is the object of that invention “to provide a shirt constructionhaving one or more flaps adjacent the lower periphery thereof whichfacilitate access to the pants pocket when the shirt is not tucked intoto the trousers of the wearer.” U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,622 provides thewearer with a convenient method for reaching their trousers pockets thatare covered by a shirt, but does not provide any type of means foradjusting or tapering the shirt to appropriately adjust it to fit thewearer.

[0029] This group also includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,538 as well as U.S.Pat. No. 4,967,420, both of which are directed to the neck area of thetop, not to the waistline or shirt taper.

SUMMARY

[0030] As can be seen from the above, there have been several patents oninventions pertaining to various articles of clothing that areadjustable to some extent, or have specialized features. None of theseinventions, however, specifically keeps a shirt tucked in neatly in asimple yet elegant manner, as does the present invention. Further, noneof the inventions in the prior art have adjusting mechanisms, positionedadjacent the waistline below the belt line, on the shirt itself thatallow the user to adjust the shirt while wearing it. Releasablefasteners, including Velcro™, have wide application but, heretofore,have not been used to hold the taper of a shirt-including the sides andback that often hang loosely and become untucked-in place.

[0031] Thus, the present invention has been designed with theabove-noted problems in mind. The present invention has, as one of itsobjects, overcoming the problems in the prior art. In accordance withthe present invention, the adjustable shirt-tapering system will allow awearer to snugly adjust the shirt, while wearing it, by folding over thereleasable fastening devices that are located below the waistline.Because the user easily can adjust the shirt while wearing it, theadjustment is infinitely more accurate than the prior art devices thatrequire the user to first adjust the shirt before putting it on. Withthe construction and arrangement of the present invention, the user isable to adjust and achieve a perfectly tapered waistline for their shirtwithout the time and expense of visiting a tailor. Sitting and thenstanding can make shirts come “untucked” causing a messy appearance.Constantly tucking shirts back into place can also be a nuisance. Thereleasable fastening devices of embodiments of the present invention,attached directly onto the shirttail below the waistline, will keep theshirt tucked in properly. This will eliminate the natural tendency forshirts to become untucked. The releasable fastening devices are located,for example, below a respective waistline, so that they remain concealedbelow the beltline. Further, the releasable fastening devices are verylight weight and unobtrusive so the shirt to which they are attached isvery comfortable to the wearer. Although embodiments of the presentinvention include two releasable fastening devices-one on each side ofthe shirt-it is possible to provide only one releasable fastening deviceon the shirt. However, with the latter construction, the amount ofadjustment, as well as the appearance of the shirt after adjustment, arereduced. However, the latter arrangement offers a cost savings andfurther ease of manufacturing the shirt. Still further, more than tworeleasable fastening devices may be used. For example, one, three, four,five, etc.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will also assist parents byallowing them to get more use out of clothing for their children as theygrow. The adjustable shirt-tapering system of the present inventioncould be used for a child who has a shirt that is slightly too large,but will fit well after some growth. The releasable fastening devicesare very safe and children run no risk of hurting themselves as theymight with a metal fastening apparatus. This invention will also helpsenior citizens, as it is easy to use and would not hurt an older personif they were to potentially fall or lose balance and knock intosomething. Finally, this invention has a purpose of promoting safety insurgical or other types of environments where loose fitting clothingmight actually get in the way of procedures being conducted. Because ofthe ease in using and manufacturing garments with the adjustableshirt-tapering system of the present invention, as well as due to thelow cost of producing such a garment, the present invention has a widerange of applicability. One goal of the invention is to provide asimple, inexpensive, safe, comfortable, unobtrusive, and convenientmanner for achieving the result of keeping a shirt tucked in and nicelytapered without having to use external materials that cause theindividual wearing the shirt to be uncomfortable, or that cause the usermuch frustration in attempting to adjust the shirt, try it on, and thenreadjust the size because the first adjustment was not quite right.Because it is a very lightweight addition to the shirt and is integrateddirectly onto the shirt, and it is easy to use and is concealed, thissturdy device will achieve all of the above-noted objects andadvantages, as well as will successfully eliminate the problem of shirtsthat do not fit quite right in the waist. This invention can be used byeveryone and has a myriad of useful and practical purposes.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0033] a) To make shirts appear neater in appearance and significantlyimprove overall personal appearance.

[0034] b) To help facilitate achieving and maintaining a properly tuckedshirt that looks professional and enhances overall appearance.

[0035] c) To help compensate for a shirt that is too large in the waistarea.

[0036] d) To help compensate if a person loses weight in the waistlinearea by allowing a shirt's tuck area to be adjusted more snugly.

[0037] e) To assist individuals who are overweight and experiencedifficulty keeping their shirts tucked in, as the adjustable releasablefastening devices will keep the shirt fitting appropriately around thewaistline.

[0038] f) To allow for a shirt to be adjusted throughout the day ifnecessary. If a person eats a large meal and wishes to relax the shirtaccordingly, this invention makes that possible.

[0039] g) To minimize the problem of constantly tucking shirts in andalways repositioning shirttails that come out of place.

[0040] h) To allow easy adjustments at any time on a shirt and prevent aperson from being locked into a particular size. This would beparticularly true for growing children. If someone gains too muchweight, they often cannot wear a shirt that they may truly enjoy becauseit is too tight around the sides. This invention would allow anindividual to buy a shirt that is looser fitting and adjust itappropriately.

[0041] i) To allow for a more professional appearance for individualswho are required to wear a uniform for work, such as military members,police officers, paramedics, etc.

[0042] j) To provide increased safety due to a shirt that does not allowthe excess cloth to come untucked and subsequently get caught up inmachinery or any other type of equipment where shirts can get caught.

[0043] k) To assist parents by allowing them to get more use out ofclothing for their children. The adjustable shirt-tapering system of thepresent invention could be used for a child who has a shirt that isslightly too large, but will fit well after some growth. Also, due tothe continuously adjustable nature of the adjustable shirt-taperingsystem, the garment could be adjusted during various stages of thechild's growth.

[0044] l) To provide a safe shirt adjusting system that minimizeschildren hurting themselves as they might with some sort of metalfastening apparatus.

[0045] m) To help older people adjust their clothing and be safe enoughso they would not hurt themselves if they were to potentially fall orlose their balance and knock into something.

[0046] n) To promote safety in surgical or other types of environmentswhere loose fitting clothing might actually get in the way of proceduresbeing conducted.

DRAWING FIGURES

[0047] The above and other objects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent by describing in detail preferredembodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereinlike reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughoutthe several views, and wherein:

[0048]FIG. 1 is a schematic right-side view of a shirt includingreleasable fastening devices according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0049]FIG. 2 is a schematic left-side view of a shirt includingreleasable fastening devices according to the first embodiment;

[0050]FIG. 3 is a schematic right-side view of a shirt includingreleasable fastening devices according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0051]FIG. 4 is a schematic left-side view of a shirt includingreleasable fastening devices according to the second embodiment;

[0052]FIG. 5 is a schematic back view of a shirt including releasablefastening devices according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0053]FIG. 6 is a schematic back view of a shirt including releasablefastening devices according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0054]FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the portion of a shirt including areleasable fastening device according to the various embodiments of thepresent invention; and

[0055]FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a cover member according to thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0056] This idea is the first of its kind that addresses the problem ofan untucked shirt by attaching a continuously adjustable releasablefastening device directly onto the shirt to eliminate the problem in asimple yet elegant manner. The messy appearance of shirts can beirritating, and constantly having to tuck in or readjust a shirt can bea nuisance to the wearer. This invention will be a great benefit toindividuals who want to maintain a neat appearance, or have the benefitof a custom fit shirt, without the hassle and cost of tailoring.

[0057] Various embodiments of the invention will be described withreference to the figures.

[0058] A first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1and 2. A shirt 1 includes a waistline 6 on or about the position ofwhere a beltline on a pair of trousers would fall when worn togetherwith the shirt. The waistline of the shirt, i.e., the taper, isadjustable through the use of a releasable fastening device attached tothe shirt 1. The releasable fastening device includes a first portion 2of a two-complementary-part releasable fastener, and a second portion 4of a two-complimentary-part releasable fastener. The releasablefastening device may be attached to the shirt in any known and customarymanner of attachment as known in the garment industry. The first portion2 and the second portion 4 are complementary to one another and arelocated along one plane of the shirt fabric, on the side away from thewearer, i.e., the outside of the shirt, so as to face away from thewearer. However, because the releasable fastening device is locatedbelow the beltline of the trousers worn with the shirt, it is entirelyunnoticeable to persons looking at the wearer of the shirt. When theshirt is unadjusted, the first and second portions 2, 4 face outwardfrom the wearer of the shirt. Additionally, in this state, the portionsof the releasable fastening devices lie in one plane extending along thefabric of the shirt. With such a configuration, the shirt provides nouncomfortable bunches or gathers, which is beneficial for the wearerthat does not require any additional taper than that already provided tothe shirt in the “off the shelf” condition. When the shirt is adjustedusing the adjustable shirt-tapering system of the present invention, theshirt will be folded so that at least some extent of one of the firstand second portions 2, 4 will be positioned on top of the other.

[0059] The two-complementary-part releasable fastener can be constructedof, for example, Velcro™, hook and loop or pile fasteners, oppositelypolarized flexible magnetic strips, repositionable adhesive material anda receiving member, and the like, each of which provides a means forcontinuously adjusting the taper of the shirt. For further example, thefirst portion 2 may be a male Velcro™ whereas the second portion 4 maybe a female Velcro™, or vise-versa. Alternatively, for example, thefirst and second portions 2, 4, respectively can be north and southpolarized flexible magnetic strips, or vise-versa. As a still furtheralternative, for example, the first and second portions 2, 4,respectively can be a repositionable adhesive material and a receivingmember, or vise versa. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,Velcro™, or hook and loop/pile, fasteners are used, wherein the hookportion is the second portion 4. That is, in the preferred embodiment,the second portion 4 will remain facing outward and, therefore, toincrease the comfort of the user, will be the hook portion. At leastpart of the first portion 2, in the preferred embodiment, will be foldedover to mate with the second portion and, thus, will come into aposition wherein it faces towards the user. Accordingly, it is preferredto have this material be the more soft loop or pile part of thetwo-complementary-part fastener. Of course, the shirt could be foldedover so that the second portion 4 mates with the first, but the oppositeis a more natural manner of grabbing the shirt while wearing it.

[0060] Now, an exemplary manner of using the adjustable shirt-taperingsystem of the present invention will be described. In order to taper theshirt for a custom fit, the wearer need only place his thumb over someportion of the releasable fastening device, preferably at the dividebetween the first 2 and second 4 portions thereof. Then, between atleast one finger and palm (or between at least one finger and thethumb), the wearer grabs the shirt so as to gather the excess materialfrom the circumference of the shirt, and pulls it over his thumb toprovide a custom tapered fit. Then, while sliding the thumb out of thefold, the wearer smoothes the fold forward with his finger while movingthe hand forward. By forming a fold in the foregoing manner, the firstportion 2 of the releasable fastening device will be placed on top ofthe second portion 4 and attached thereto to secure the taper of theshirt. Because this adjustment of the shirt can be performed whilewearing it, the shirt will have a perfectly accurate custom fit everytime, even if the user or shirt has slightly changed sizes since thelast wearing of the shirt. And this fixation of the releasable fasteningdevice is very simple to perform.

[0061] In this embodiment of the invention, the first 2 and second 4portions of the releasable fastening device abut one another at theirlongitudinal ends. Such an arrangement provides for even the smallest ofadjustments to the shirt. Also, in this embodiment, the releasablefastening device is located on the sides of the shirt. Although areleasable fastening device is shown on each side of the shirt, thereneed only be one to provide adjustability to the shirt. However, tworeleasable fastening devices are preferred in order to provide a greateramount of adjustability, as well as to make symmetrical the amount ofmaterial gathered on each side of the shirt, thereby enhancing theappearance of the wearer.

[0062] A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3and 4. In this embodiment of the present invention, like referencenumerals identify like parts of the adjustable shirt-tapering system.Accordingly, only the differences from the first embodiment will beexplained. In this embodiment, the first 2 and second 4 portions of thereleasable fastening device are positioned so that their ends do notabut. Instead, there is a space between them. As shown in FIG. 7, thedistance V between the first 2 and second 4 portions of the releasablefastening device is variable. In the first embodiment, this distance iszero. With the arrangement of the second embodiment, a greater amount ofadjustment may be made at the expense of the very smallest adjustment.However, this greater amount of adjustment may be made with the samelength of releasable fastening device, thereby reducing costs due to theuse of the minimum amount of releasable fastening device as is necessaryto achieve a target amount of adjustability.

[0063] A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5.Again, in this embodiment of the present invention, like referencenumerals identify like parts of the adjustable shirt-tapering system.Accordingly, only the differences from the first embodiment will beexplained. In this embodiment, the releasable fastening device ispositioned more toward the back of the shirt than on the sides, as inthe first and second embodiments.

[0064] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6.Again, in this embodiment of the present invention, like referencenumerals identify like parts of the adjustable shirt-tapering system.Accordingly, only the differences from the first embodiment will beexplained. In this embodiment, the releasable fastening device ispositioned more toward the back of the shirt than on the sides, as inthe first and second embodiments. Further, as in the second embodiment,the first 2 and second 4 portions of the releasable fastening device donot abut one another.

[0065] Throughout the various embodiments of the invention, thereleasable fastening device is positioned so as to longitudinally extendin a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 8 ofthe shirt, i.e. substantially parallel to the beltline of trousers wornwith the shirt. However, the releasable fastening device may bepositioned oblique to the longitudinal axis 8, without changing theprinciple and operation of the adjustable shirt-tapering system of thepresent invention. As a practical matter, however, the greater the angleat which the releasable fastening device is positioned, the potentiallyless comfortable and effective the adjustable shirt-tapering system willbe. That is, the more oblique the arrangement, the less the amount ofadjustment around the circumference (for a given length releasablefastening device) and the more pull down on the shirt. The latter effectpotentially makes the shirt less comfortable to the wearer.

[0066] In FIG. 7, the relative positions of the first 2 and second 4portions, with respect to each other as well as with respect to thewaistline 6 are shown. Further, the dimensions of the first 2 and second4 portions are shown. The first 2 and second 4 portions of thereleasable fastening device are placed at a distance V apart from oneanother. As noted above, this distance V may be zero, as in the case ofthe first and third embodiments. When the distance V is greater thanzero, its particular value depends upon the amount of variability thatis desired. Each of the first 2 and second 4 portions is shown with awidth W and longitudinal length L. In the preferred embodiment, thewidths W of the first 2 and second 4 portions are the same, as are theirlengths L. However, the widths W need not be the same, nor do thelengths need be the same. Lastly, with respect to positioning anddimensions, the first 2 and second 4 portions of the releasablefastening device are positioned at a depth D below the waistline 6. Thedepth D is variable, but preferably is such that the releasablefastening device is placed below the beltline of the user. That is, ifthe belt of the user lies on top of the releasable fastening device, itmay be uncomfortable for the user, especially users who tighten theirbelts beyond that required to keep up their pants. Further, if the topof the releasable fastening device is placed just below the beltline,the releasable fastening device will assist in keeping the shirt frompulling out of the trousers. That is, the releasable fastening devicewill provide a stop member that can abut against the trousers assqueezed by the belt to thereby assist in preventing the shirt frompulling out of the trousers without engaging the sensitive crotch areaof the wearer.

[0067]FIG. 8 shows a cover member 10 for the adjustable shirt-taperingsystem of the present invention. The cover member is used whenlaundering the shirt. That is, if the cover member were not used, thefirst 2 and second 4 portions of releasable fastening devices may attachto one another, or to the complementary portions of a second releasablefastening device-located on the same or another shirt. Such an unwantedattachment may lead to frustration on the part of the person doing thelaundering, or may lead to damage of the shirts. Further, if uncovered,the releasable fastening devices of various shirts may become attachedto one another as the shirts hang in a closet. Accordingly, a covermember is provided for use when laundering, or not using, shirts havingthe adjustable shirt-tapering system according to the present invention.As shown in FIG. 8, the cover member 10 includes a first section 12, anda second section 14, spaced from one another by a distance V. Again, thedistance V may be zero, thereby eliminating middle section 16. Further,the distance V on the cover member 10 need not match that between thefirst 2 and second 4 portions of the releasable fastening device towhich the cover member 10 will attach, as long as the cover member issized to cover a sufficient portion of the releasable fastening device.The first section 12 is a releasable fastening device complementary tothe first portion 2, whereas the second section 14 is a releasablefastening device complementary to the second portion 14. For example, ifthe releasable fastening device has a first portion 2 of male Velcro™and a second portion 4 of female Velcro™, then the first section 12 isof female Velcro™ and the second section 14 is of male Velcro™.

[0068] While various embodiments of the invention have been describedabove, it is contemplated that numerous modifications may be made to theadjustable shirt-tapering system of the present invention withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in thefollowing claims.

[0069] For example, although a short sleeve shirt is shown in thefigures, the present invention is applicable to long or short sleevedshirts. Also, although a straight bottom hemline is shown on the shirt,the present invention is also applicable to a shirt with rounded tailsor, in fact, any other shaped shirttail. Again, as noted above, variousnumbers of releasable fastening devices may be applied to any one shirt.

1. A shirt comprising: fabric shaped into a torso section and awaistline, the fabric comprising a front, a back, sides, an innerportion facing towards an inner position at which a wearer of the shirtwould be located, and an outer portion facing away from the innerposition, the torso section further comprising a longitudinal axis; anda releasable fastening device attached adjacent the waistline, thereleasable fastening device comprising a first portion of atwo-complementary-part releasable fastener, and a second portion of atwo-complimentary-part releasable fastener, wherein the first portionand the second portion are complementary to one another and are locatedin one plane of the fabric so as to face away from the inner position.2. The shirt according to claim 1, wherein the first portion and secondportion extend along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the torso section, and are positioned so as to abutone another at ends thereof.
 3. The shirt according to claim 1, whereinthe first portion comprises one of hook and loop fasteners and thesecond portion comprises the other of hook and loop fasteners.
 4. Theshirt according to claim 1, wherein the first and second portionscomprise complementary magnetic strips.
 5. The shirt according to claim1, wherein the first portion comprises a repositionable adhesivematerial and the second portion comprises a receiving member.
 6. Theshirt according to claim 1, wherein the releasable fastening device islocated on one of the sides.
 7. The shirt according to claim 6, furthercomprising a second releasable fastening device located on the other oneof the sides.
 8. The shirt according to claim 1, wherein the releasablefastening device is located below the waistline.
 9. The shirt accordingto claim 1, further comprising a cover member attached to the releasablefastening device, the cover member comprising a first section and asecond section, wherein the first section comprises a part of atwo-complementary-part fastener that is complementary to the firstportion, and the second section comprises a part of atwo-complementary-part fastener that is complementary to the secondportion.
 10. A shirt comprising: fabric shaped into a torso section anda waistline, the fabric comprising a front, a back, sides, an innerportion facing towards an inner position at which a wearer of the shirtwould be located, and an outer portion facing away from the innerposition, the torso section further comprising a longitudinal axis; andmeans for continuously adjusting the taper of the shirt, wherein themeans for continuously adjusting is disposed adjacent the waistline, andis disposed in one plane of the fabric so as to face away from the innerposition.
 11. The shirt according to claim 10, wherein the means forcontinuously adjusting extends along an axis that is substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torso section, and ispositioned so that complementary parts thereof abut one another.
 12. Theshirt according to claim 10, wherein means for continuously adjusting islocated on one of the sides.
 13. The shirt according to claim 12,further comprising a second means for continuously adjusting located onthe other one of the sides.
 14. The shirt according to claim 10, whereinthe means for continuously adjusting is located below the waistline. 15.The shirt according to claim 10, further comprising a cover memberattached to the releasable fastening device, the cover member comprisingmeans for attaching to the means for continuously adjusting.
 16. Amethod for adjusting the taper of a shirt while being worn by a body,comprising: placing a thumb over a section of material along acircumference of the shirt adjacent a waistline; gathering excessmaterial from the circumference of the shirt; folding the excessmaterial over the thumb; sliding the thumb out of the folded excessmaterial; and attaching the fold to a remaining portion of the shirtusing a releasable fastening device.
 17. The method according to claim16, wherein said step of gathering excess material comprises grabbingexcess material between at least one finger and either said thumb or apalm of a hand, and further wherein said step of attaching the foldcomprises sliding the at least one finger forward while pressing thefold toward the body with the at least one finger.